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US President Donald Trump is considering an executive order to challenge state-level AI regulations through legal action and federal funding cuts. The draft order, obtained by WIRED, directs the Justice Department to sue states for passing AI laws that conflict with federal policies on free speech and commerce. Authors Maxwell Zeff and Makena Kelly report that the order aims to centralize AI governance under federal authority, citing state laws in California and Colorado as key targets. Critics argue the move undermines trust in AI safety and creates regulatory fragmentation. The White House claims discussions about the order remain speculative, but industry groups support a unified federal approach to AI regulation.

Key facts

  • The executive order proposes suing states for AI regulations deemed incompatible with federal free speech and commerce laws.
  • A dedicated AI Litigation Task Force will identify states violating federal AI policy guidelines.
  • California and Colorado’s AI safety laws, requiring transparency reports from developers, are specifically targeted.
  • Big Tech groups oppose state-level regulations, advocating for a single federal framework to avoid fragmentation.
  • The order threatens to withhold federal funding from states that fail to comply with national AI policy standards.
See article on Wired AI